4th Sunday of Lent (B)

2 Chr 36:14-16, 19-23; Eph 2:4-10; Jn 3:14-21

Traditionally, the fourth Sunday of Lent is called Laetare Sunday, named after the first word of the opening antiphon of the Mass. The Latin word Laetare (“Rejoice”) is from the book of Isaiah 66:10-11 and is used to set a tone of joyful anticipation of the Easter mystery. During the celebration of the Mass, rose-colored vestments are used, instruments may be played, and flowers may be decorated at the altar.

The readings point to one great theological truth: Only by the grace of God are we all saved! Like the people of Judah, often we choose to do wrong, refuse to listen to God’s messengers and ignore His words (2 Chr 36:16). We also tend to love darkness and do what is not pleasing to God (Jn 3:19). Saint Paul is right: “By nature, we were worthy of punishment like the rest of humankind. But God, who is rich in mercy, revealed His immense love and gave us life with Christ after being dead through our sins” (Eph 2:3).

Saint Paul makes it very clear that salvation is not our own doing. By our own human capacity, we cannot save ourselves. Though quite humbling, it remains a wonderful truth that salvation is something that we receive. It is pure gift! One may forget everything in the Bible except this beautiful part from John’s gospel: “For God so loved the world that he gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him may not be lost, but may have eternal life. God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world; instead, through Him, the world is to be saved” (Jn 3:16).

A man dies and goes to heaven. Of course, St. Peter meets him at the pearly gates. St. Peter says, “Here’s how it works. You need 100 points to make it into heaven. You tell me all the good things you’ve done, and I give you a certain number of points for each item, depending on how good it was. When you reach 100 points, you get in.”

“Okay,” the man says, “I was married to the same woman for 50 years and never cheated on her, even in my heart.”

“That’s wonderful,” says St. Peter, “that's worth three points!”

“Three points?” he says. “Well, I attended church all my life and supported its ministry with my tithe and service.”

“Terrific!” says St. Peter, “that’s certainly worth a point.”

“One point? Golly. How about this: I started a soup kitchen in my city and worked in a shelter for homeless veterans.”

“Fantastic, that’s good for two more points,” he says.

“Two points!” the man cries. “At this rate the only way I get into heaven is by the grace of God.”

And St. Peter smiles and says, “Come on in!”

(The story is from an unknown author)

As we continue our Lenten pilgrimage, the Church invites us to reflect more deeply on God’s unconditional love and to cherish it. May we also learn to share such kind of love with others in our community!